
Aaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis, whose latest album
The Road has sold over 150,000 copies, will launch the first leg of his
The Road Tour today (Dec. 11) at the Vinyl at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas. The tour will run through April 2014. 2013 marked Lewis’ debut on the Grand Ole Opry, as well as a headlining Jägermeister Country Tour.
“I have not had this much fun in a long time,” says Lewis. “I have met a ton of good folks, performed on the Grand Ole Opry, and then was asked back. Amazing! Been writing while out on the road and getting ready for 2014. Had a good time performing for the fans. What else can I say but, WHAT A YEAR!!”
Upcoming ‘The Road’ Tour Dates:
Dec 11-14, 2013 – Las Vegas, NV – Vinyl at the Hard Rock
Jan 18, 2014 – Quapaw, OK – Downstream Casino
Jan 22, 2014 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Jan 23, 2014 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
Jan 24, 2014 – Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy
Jan 25, 2014 – Ft Wayne, IN – Rusty Spur
Jan 30, 2014 – Lafayette, LA – The District
Jan 31, 2014 – Biloxi, MS – Hard Rock Casino
Feb 01, 2014 – Winnie, TX – Nutty Jerry’s
Feb 06, 2014 – Detroit, MI – Motor City Casino
Feb 07-08, 2014 – Verona, NY – Turning Stone Casino
Feb 15, 2014 – Atlantic City, NJ – Golden Nugget Casino
Feb 19, 2014 – Kansas City, MO – Harrah’s Casino
Feb 20, 2014 – Council Bluffs, IA – Horseshoe Casino
Feb 21, 2014 – Hankinson, ND – Dakota Magic Casino
Feb 22, 2014 – Hammond, IN – Horseshoe Casino
Mar 21, 2014 – Knoxville, TN – Cotton Eyed Joe’s
Mar 22, 2014 – Wilmington, NC – Ziggy’s
Mar 28, 2014 – Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Mar 29, 2014 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
Apr 09, 2014 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live
Apr 10, 2014 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
Apr 11, 2014 – Lynchburg, VA – Phase 2
Apr 12, 2014 – Chester, WV – Mountaineer Casino
Apr 17, 2014 – Huntsville, AL – Sammy T’s Music Hall
Apr 18, 2014 – Louisville, KY – The Mercury Ballroom
Apr 19, 2014 – Battlecreek, MI – Firekeepers Casino
Apr 25, 2014 – Dothan, AL – Toadlick Festival
Apr 26, 2014 – Montpelier, LA – Bear Creek Saloon
Ray Price Enters Hospice Care
/by Jessica NicholsonRay Price
Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Price, 87, plans to return to his home in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, for home hospice care, after leaving East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, Texas, according to KLTV.
Price has been battling pancreatic cancer since 2011; despite treatment, the cancer has spread to the singer’s liver, intestines and lungs. His wife of 45 years, Janie, says they have decided not to pursue further aggressive treatment.
“Ray is alert and aware of his surroundings and making decisions,” said Janie. “With God’s blessing he has not had extreme pain. But it’s with great sadness that I announce to you today that my beloved husband has entered the final stages of his cancer that he has battled for 25 months. Anyone who knows Ray is aware that he has strong convictions and great faith in God. It’s his decision to leave the hospital and return home to spend his final days on his beloved ranch surrounded by the comfort of his home, family and friends.”
Price offered a final message for his fans. “I love my fans and have devoted my life to reaching out to them. I appreciate their support all these years and I hope I haven’t let them down. I am at peace. I love Jesus. I’m going to be just fine. Don’t worry about me. I’ll see you again one day.”
'American Idol' Gears Up for 13th Season In January
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick, Jr.
American Idol addicts rejoice — your favorite singing competition returns for a 13th season Jan. 15, with Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez returning to their judges chairs. Joining them on this go-round of the long-running show is Harry Connick Jr., who first appeared last season as a mentor for runner-up Kree Harrison.
Producers mixed up the seats a bit after last season’s drama between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey in hopes of scoring some better ratings again. And according to eonline.com, Urban, Lopez and Connick Jr. are getting along swimmingly. “I really like them,” Connick said of Lopez and Urban. “We’ll finish shooting and we’ll go have lunch and we all sit at the same table, talking about Jen’s kids, my kids and Keith’s kids.”
The three are also reportedly contemplating doing a number or two together as well this season.”It’s kind of been hinted at,” Connick said. “I’m game for anything. I would totally dig it. You’re talking about three completely different singers. It would be great.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6Y3oALZGOc&list=PL8x9Zx_hMDsZvIvKVcvyPDyPBz_Fqdg6u
Primetime 'Nashville': "Tomorrow Never Comes"
/by Jessica NicholsonRayna Jaymes and Luke Wheeler. Photo: ABC
Season 2, Episode 10: “Tomorrow Never Comes”
The winter finale of Nashville left viewers with quite the cliffhanger. One character is killed off, but we don’t know exactly who dies.
In previews for Episode 11, we discover that Will Lexington, seemingly on top of the world, is actually filled with turmoil. In the preview for episode 11, we find Lexington stepping in front of an oncoming train. But Lexington is not the only possibility. During last night’s (Dec. 11) episode, Rayna Jaymes speaks with Teddy Conrad, while his new wife Peggy is nearby. As the surprisingly pleasant conversation ends and Teddy walks away, a stranger approaches and attempts a hit on Nashville’s Mayor Conrad. As Teddy attempts to wrestle the gun from him, the gun fires, hitting Peggy. The scene ends with Peggy lying, seemingly lifeless, on the ground. Previews of Season 2, Episode 11 seem to indicate that it is Peggy who is killed, but it is not certain.
Juliette Barnes is the face of Teddy Conrad’s new music festival, but the press is more concerned with allegations that she caused the breakup of Charles and Olivia Wentworth. During her headlining performance at the festival, someone holds up a large sign bearing the label “Homewrecker.” Humiliated, Juliette fumbles her performance, until guitarist Avery Barkley steps in to sing with her. He later meets to comfort and give his friend some advice on the situation. Juliette seems convinced that it is newcomer and opening act Layla who leaked the information to the the press, so she confronts the talent show winner. Layla has a catty way of denying that she leaked the information, which only further infuriates Juliette.
After Deacon finds out his name has been removed from the music festival’s list of performers, he teams with Gunnar Scott for their own performance. Gunnar gave his potential hit song to Edgehill Records for Will Lexington to record; in return, Edgehill’s CEO promised him a prime performance slot at the festival and the appearance of several music industry execs. That prime performance opportunity turns out to be a makeshift stage near the portable restrooms. Gunnar and Deacon decide they can do better and pull some strings to get their own performance off festival grounds.
Teddy attempts to shut down Deacon’s parking lot party, and is told there is nothing he can do, as the owner of the property gave Deacon permission. Parenting conflicts arise earlier in the episode, pre-hitman shooting, when Peggy refuses Maddie’s request to watch her father Deacon perform; the musically talented teen ignores Peggy and makes the same request of Rayna. The characters come together mid-episode at the parking lot performance to watch Deacon and Gunnar perform for a considerable crowd of admirers. After Deacon finally gets his moment in the spotlight as a solo act, another music industry exec later asks him about putting out a solo album.
Rayna’s not backing down on setting up her Highway 65 label. Edgehill’s CEO Jeff Fordham tries to persuade Rayna not to leave the label by presenting her with “research” that he has obtained. Rayna doesn’t believe his research and realizes that Jeff and Rayna’s semi-boyfriend Luke Wheeler seem very chummy. She discusses business options with sister Tandy, and later, Rayna mortgages her house and borrows funds from her sister to make the $20 million Edgehill requires to buy out her contract. Superstar Luke unsuccessfully tries to convince her not to break ties with Edgehill. As soon as he learns Rayna’s deal with Edgehill has cooled, he cools the superstar couple’s relationship. He says he’s sorry they won’t be promoting the new single together. It seems easygoing Luke was using Rayna for his own business means.
Scarlett O’Connor is still reeling from the news that Zoey and Gunnar are an item. Her disappointment doesn’t sit well with Avery, who thinks Scarlett still has feelings for Gunnar. “You are the only one who has ever been honest with me,” Scarlett tells Avery, explaining that she’s only disappointed that Zoey and Gunnar’s relationship began in secret.
Later in the episode, Juliette and Charles seemingly breakup for good. Charles says he hopes Juliette can find the person who makes her the best version of herself. After the conversation, Juliette thinks of friend Avery and decides to see if she can make the friendship blossom into something more. Unfortunately, her timing is off; she shows up at Avery’s door, only to see him with Scarlett.
In the promo for episode 11, Kelly Clarkson makes an appearance as herself, and we find out which character dies–Peggy or Will.
Watch the promo for Season 2, Episode 11. The episode airs Wednesday, Jan. 15.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN1ehK0AwPs
Kristofferson To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award From Grammys
/by Lorie HollabaughKris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson and the Beatles are among the artists selected to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy at the upcoming Grammy Awards. Armando Manzanero, Clifton Chenier, the Isley Brothers, Kraftwerk, and Maud Powell will also receive Lifetime honors, while Rick Hall, Jim Marshall, and Ennio Morricone will receive Trustee Awards. Emile Berliner and Lexicon will also receive Technical Grammys at the special invitation-only ceremony, which will be held Jan. 25 during Grammy week. A formal acknowledgement will be made during the 56th Annual Grammy Awards telecast on Sunday, Jan. 26 which airs live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.
“It is a great privilege to recognize such an exceptional group of honorees and celebrate their accomplishments and contributions to the recording industry,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “This astoundingly unique and gifted group have created some of the most distinguished and influential work in our musical history. Their legacies are timeless and legendary, and their creativity will continue to influence and inspire future generations.”
Swift, Panettiere Garner Golden Globe Nominations
/by Jessica NicholsonHayden Panettiere
Taylor Swift and Hayden Panettiere were both named as nominees for the upcoming 71st annual Golden Globe Awards, slated for Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Panettiere earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture made for Television, for her role as superstar singer Juliette Barnes on ABC’s music-filled drama Nashville.
Taylor Swift
Swift garnered a nomination in the Best Original Song category for “Sweeter Than Fiction,” which appeared in the movie One Chance.
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey will reprise their roles as hosts during the Golden Globe awards.
For a full list of nominees, visit goldenglobes.com.
T.J. Martell Foundation 2014 Honors Gala; Mike Dungan, Dale Morris Among Honorees
/by Jessica NicholsonThe T. J. Martell Foundation has announced the honorees for the sixth annual Nashville Honors Gala. The event will be held at the Omni Hotel on March 10, 2014 with a cocktail reception beginning at 5:30pm followed by dinner and awards at 7:00pm. Included among the honorees are music industry leaders Mike Dungan, Chairman/CEO, Universal Music Group Nashville, and Dale Morris, President, Dale Morris & Associates.
Individuals being honored at the 2014 gala:
Mike Dungan–Frances Preston Lifetime Music Industry Achievement award
Dale Morris–Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement award
Mark Bloom–Spirit of Nashville award
Dr. Scott Hiebert–Medical Research Advancement award
Beth Dortch Franklin–Lifetime Humanitarian Award.
The Honors Gala brings together leaders from the business, medical, sports, and entertainment communities to raise funds and awareness for cancer research at top US hospitals, including the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
Co-chairs for the gala include Danielle Bouharoun, Wells Fargo Private Bank; Ree Buchanan, Wrensong Publishing; and Mark Wright, Show Dog-Universal Music. Table sponsorships are $11,500, and individual tickets are $1,000. Visit honorsgala.org to purchase tickets or contact Tinti Moffat at (615) 256-2002 or tmoffat@tjmartell.org.
Lewis To Launch 'The Road Tour' in December
/by Jessica NicholsonAaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis, whose latest album The Road has sold over 150,000 copies, will launch the first leg of his The Road Tour today (Dec. 11) at the Vinyl at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas. The tour will run through April 2014. 2013 marked Lewis’ debut on the Grand Ole Opry, as well as a headlining Jägermeister Country Tour.
“I have not had this much fun in a long time,” says Lewis. “I have met a ton of good folks, performed on the Grand Ole Opry, and then was asked back. Amazing! Been writing while out on the road and getting ready for 2014. Had a good time performing for the fans. What else can I say but, WHAT A YEAR!!”
Upcoming ‘The Road’ Tour Dates:
Dec 11-14, 2013 – Las Vegas, NV – Vinyl at the Hard Rock
Jan 18, 2014 – Quapaw, OK – Downstream Casino
Jan 22, 2014 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Jan 23, 2014 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
Jan 24, 2014 – Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy
Jan 25, 2014 – Ft Wayne, IN – Rusty Spur
Jan 30, 2014 – Lafayette, LA – The District
Jan 31, 2014 – Biloxi, MS – Hard Rock Casino
Feb 01, 2014 – Winnie, TX – Nutty Jerry’s
Feb 06, 2014 – Detroit, MI – Motor City Casino
Feb 07-08, 2014 – Verona, NY – Turning Stone Casino
Feb 15, 2014 – Atlantic City, NJ – Golden Nugget Casino
Feb 19, 2014 – Kansas City, MO – Harrah’s Casino
Feb 20, 2014 – Council Bluffs, IA – Horseshoe Casino
Feb 21, 2014 – Hankinson, ND – Dakota Magic Casino
Feb 22, 2014 – Hammond, IN – Horseshoe Casino
Mar 21, 2014 – Knoxville, TN – Cotton Eyed Joe’s
Mar 22, 2014 – Wilmington, NC – Ziggy’s
Mar 28, 2014 – Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Mar 29, 2014 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
Apr 09, 2014 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live
Apr 10, 2014 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
Apr 11, 2014 – Lynchburg, VA – Phase 2
Apr 12, 2014 – Chester, WV – Mountaineer Casino
Apr 17, 2014 – Huntsville, AL – Sammy T’s Music Hall
Apr 18, 2014 – Louisville, KY – The Mercury Ballroom
Apr 19, 2014 – Battlecreek, MI – Firekeepers Casino
Apr 25, 2014 – Dothan, AL – Toadlick Festival
Apr 26, 2014 – Montpelier, LA – Bear Creek Saloon
Artist Updates (12/11/13)
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Brooks
After Garth Brooks made the announcement of his upcoming world tour on Good Morning America on Monday (Dec. 9), the singer-songwriter has revealed that the tour will span three years. He appeared on CBS’ The Talk to discuss the tour, parenting and the influence of KISS’ stage show. “The whole goal in life is to make whatever you’ve done before look small,” Brooks says. “So, the 2014 world tour will be the first of probably a three-year world tour. I’m excited. I’m very excited.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM6eqKJa1r0
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They join previously announced performers Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Brantley Gilbert.
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Fontanel owners with Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee‘s stage clothes and other memorabilia are on exhibit at Fontanel mansion through the end of December. Fans can enjoy the mansion’s holiday decorations while learning about the career of the country legend.
Nashville School Receives Grammy Foundation Grant
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Our Signature Schools Community Award program evolved out of our established Grammy Signature Schools program,” said Kristen Madsen, Sr. VP of the Grammy Foundation. “The generosity of Converse and Journeys has allowed this initiative – and the music programs of the schools it benefits – to flourish. Since the program’s inception, approximately $700,000 in grants has been distributed to close to 350 schools, and the impact we have seen has been profound and lasting.”
Additional schools Receiving Grammy Foundation Grants include:
Baltimore City College High School, Baltimore
Boston Arts Academy, Boston
Chaparral High School, Las Vegas
Cleveland School of the Arts, Cleveland
Furr High School, Houston
Jones High School, Orlando, Fla.
Thurgood Marshall High School, San Francisco
Industry Ink (12/11/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonSarah Cates
Sarah Cates, Belmont University’s Senior Director of Curb College Initiatives, was presented with the 2013 Gabhart Award for Staff Excellence and Service. The Gabhart Award for Staff Excellence and Service is the highest honor Belmont University presents to a staff member. It recognizes exemplary commitment and service to the University as well as honors staff members who have demonstrated achievements and contributions of a significant nature.
Cates is a former Bruin student-athlete and a Belmont alumna. She is known for fostering community and collaboration among faculty and staff. In her role, she develops external programs and industry relationships for Belmont students. She also counsels and supports recording artists and their families through Porter’s Call and serves on the NashvilleNext Arts and Culture team, using her topical expertise to develop the city’s 25-year plan.
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The lights of downtown Nashville are getting brighter. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge revealed a neon sign at the historic purple landmark today (Dec. 11). Steve Smith, proprietor of the Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, along with Terri Clark, The Roys, T.G. Sheppard, Jett Williams, Kelly Lang and David Ball unveiled the newly redesigned neon alley sign behind the long-standing honky tonk.
“We are officially taking back the alley and renaming it Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge alley,” said Smith. “The neon sign we have unveiled today is the original sign that hung for nearly 60 years, reminding the Opry stars where to come for a good time after their Opry performance. And those stars and more are still coming!”
Pictured (from L-R): Kelly Lang, T.G. Sheppard, David Ball, Jett Williams, Elaine Roy, Lee Roy (of The Roys), Steve Smith (owner), Terri Clark. Photo by: Rick Diamond / Getty Images